Boltzmann, Gibbs and the Concept of Equilibrium

The Boltzmann and Gibbs approaches to statistical mechanics have very different definitions of equilibrium and entropy. The problems associated with this are discussed and it is suggested that they can be resolved, to produce a version of statistical mechanics incorporating both approaches, by redefining equilibrium not as a binary property (being/not being in equilibrium) but as a continuous property (degrees of equilibrium) measured by the Boltzmann entropy and by introducing the idea of thermodynamic-like behaviour for the Boltzmann entropy. The Kac ring model is used as an example to test the proposals

The Problem of Equilibrium Processes in Thermodynamics

It is well-known that the invocation of `equilibrium processes' in thermodynamics is oxymoronic. However, their prevalence and utility, particularly in elementary accounts, presents a problem. We consider a way in which their role can be played by sets of sequences of processes demarcated by curves carrying the property of accessibility. We also examine the vexed question of whether equilibrium processes are necessarily reversible and the revision of this property in relation to sets of sequences of such processes

The Problem of Equilibrium Processes in Thermodynamics

It is well-known that the invocation of `equilibrium processes' in thermodynamics is oxymoronic. However, their prevalence and utility, particularly in elementary accounts, presents a problem. We consider a way in which their role can be played by sets of sequences of processes demarcated by curves carrying the property of accessibility. We also examine the vexed question of whether equilibrium processes are necessarily reversible and the revision of this property in relation to sets of sequences of such processes

The question of negative temperatures in thermodynamics and statistical mechanics

We show that both positive and negative absolute temperatures and monotonically increasing and decreasing entropy in adiabatic processes are consistent with Carathéodory’s version of the second law and we explore the modifications of the Kelvin–Planck and Clausius versions which are needed to accommodate these possibilities.We show, in part by using the equivalence of distributions and the canonical distribution, that the correct microcanonical entropy, is the surface (Boltzmann) form rather than the bulk (Gibbs) form thereby providing for the possibility of negative temperatures and we counter the contention on the part of a number of authors that the surface entropy fails to satisfy fundamental thermodynamic relationships

Becoming large, becoming infinite: the anatomy of thermal physics and phase transitions in finite systems

This paper presents an in-depth analysis of the anatomy of both thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, together with the relationships between their constituent parts. Based on this analysis, using the renormalization group and finite-size scaling, we give a definition of a large but finite system and argue that phase transitions are represented correctly, as incipient singularities in such systems. We describe the role of the thermodynamic limit. And we explore the implications of this picture of critical phenomena for the questions of reduction and emergence

SUPPORT Tools for Evidence-informed policymaking in health 18: Planning monitoring and evaluation of policies.

ABSTRACT : This article is part of a series written for people responsible for making decisions about health policies and programmes and for those who support these decision makers.The term monitoring is commonly used to describe the process of systematically collecting data to inform policymakers, managers and other stakeholders whether a new policy or programme is being implemented in accordance with their expectations. Indicators are used for monitoring purposes to judge, for example, if objectives are being achieved, or if allocated funds are being spent appropriately. Sometimes the term evaluation is used interchangeably with the term monitoring, but the former usually suggests a stronger focus on the achievement of results. When the term impact evaluation is used, this usually implies that there is a specific attempt to try to determine whether the observed changes in outcomes can be attributed to a particular policy or programme. In this article, we suggest four questions that can be used to guide the monitoring and evaluation of policy or programme options. These are: 1. Is monitoring necessary? 2. What should be measured? 3. Should an impact evaluation be conducted? 4. How should the impact evaluation be done

Evidence-Informed Health Policy: using research to make health systems healthier

A review of organisations that support the use of research evidence in developing guidelines, technology assessments, and health policy. Prepared for the WHO Advisory Committee on Health Research. A Final Report and Video Documentary SeriesBackground: • Over the past two years there has been a great deal of international discussion about how to harness health research more effectively in order to achieve the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals as well as other national health goals in low- and middle-income countries. • Our objective was to identify organisations around the world, and especially in low- and middleincome countries, that are in some way successful or innovative in supporting the use of research evidence in the development of clinical practice guidelines, health technology assessments, and health policy, and to describe their experiences. Key messages from the report: • The study presents seven main implications for those establishing or administering organisations to produce clinical practice guidelines or health technology assessments, or organisations to support the use of research evidence in developing health policy: • 1. Collaborate with other organisations • 2. Establish strong links with policymakers and involve stakeholders in the work • 3. Be independent and manage conflicts of interest among those involved in the work • 4. Build capacity among those working in the organisation • 5. Use good methods and be transparent in the work • 6. Start small, have a clear audience and scope, and address important questions • 7. Be attentive to implementation considerations even if implementation is not a remit. • The study presents four main implications for the World Health Organisation and other international organisations: • 1. Support collaborations among organisations • 2. Support local adaptation efforts • 3. Mobilize support • 4. Create knowledge-related global public goods, including methods and evidence syntheses. Client: The report is prepared for the WHO Advisory Committee on Health Research. • Links to a Video Documentary Series about the cases described in the study are found in the appendix, page 104.WHO Advisory Committee on Health Researc

LM LINUSS™ - Lockheed Martin In-Space Upgrade Servicing System

The LM LINUSS system is a pair of LM 50™ 12U CubeSats – each about the size of a four-slice toaster – designed to demonstrate how small satellites can serve an essential role in sustaining critical space architectures in any orbit. Developed using internal funding, the LM LINUSS system performed multiple demonstrations in Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO). The LM LINUSS mission is to validate essential maneuvering capabilities for Lockheed Martin’s (LM) future space upgrade and servicing missions, as well as to showcase miniaturized Space Domain Awareness capabilities. The LM LINUSS mission also demonstrated mature new onboard high-performance processing by Innoflight; low-toxicity propulsion by VACCO; inertial measurement units, machine vision, 3-D printed components and SmartSat™ (transformational on-orbit software upgrade architecture) technologies by LM. Part of Lockheed Martin’s LM50 family of smallsats, both LM LINUSS spacecraft – measuring roughly 8x8x12 inches – are the collaborative integration of the company’s mission electro-optical payload deck with a next-generation 12U bus from Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems, a Terran Orbital Company. On orbit performance data from 1Q2023 is presented

Experiences and Perceptions of Problem Gamblers on Cognitive and Exposure Therapies When Taking Part in a Randomised Controlled Trial: A Qualitative Study

Author version made available in accordance with publisher copyright policy.In South Australia (SA) problem gambling is mainly a result of the widespread availability of electronic gaming machines. A key treatment provider in SA offers free cognitive and behavioural therapy (CBT) to help-seeking problem gamblers. The CBT program focuses on the treatment of clients’ urge to gamble using exposure therapy (ET) and cognitive therapy (CT) to restructure erroneous gambling beliefs. The aim of this study was to explore treatment specific and non-specific effects for CT alone and ET alone using qualitative interviews. Interviewees were a sub-sample of participants from a randomised trial that investigated the relative efficacy of CT versus ET. Findings revealed that all interviewees gained benefit from their respective therapies and their comments did not appear to favour one therapy over another. Both treatment specific and treatment non-specific effects were well supported as playing a therapeutic role to recovery. Participants’ comments in both therapy groups suggested that symptom reduction was experienced on a gambling related urge–cognition continuum. In addition to symptom improvement from therapy-specific mechanisms, ET participants described a general acquisition of “rational thought” from their program of therapy and CT participants had “taken-over” their gambling urges. The findings also highlighted areas for further improvement including therapy drop-out